The control system is the heart of any service lift. It governs movement, safety, communication, and overall performance. Yet many service lifts operating today still rely on outdated analogue controllers, ageing relays, or early-generation electronics that limit efficiency and reliability. For building owners and facilities managers, upgrading the control system is often one of the most transformative improvements available, without the cost or disruption of replacing the entire lift.
At Husbands, we modernise service lifts across hospitality, healthcare, retail, and residential environments, ensuring older systems deliver the performance and safety expected from today’s technology.
The Limitations of Older Control Systems
Slower, Less Efficient Operation
Older controllers often struggle with slow response times, inconsistent travel, or noisy starts and stops. These issues typically worsen with age as relays and wiring degrade. Outdated systems also draw more power, making them less energy-efficient.
Limited Fault Diagnostics
Many legacy control systems simply cannot provide meaningful error information. When a problem occurs, engineers spend extra time identifying the fault, leading to repeat visits, higher costs, and longer downtime.
Component Compatibility Challenges
An ageing controller can prevent the installation of newer motors, drives, or door equipment. This lack of compatibility restricts a lift’s ability to benefit from modern efficiency and safety upgrades.
What a Modern Control System Upgrade Includes
Microprocessor-Based Controllers
Modern controllers provide fast, smooth travel with intelligent logic that improves consistency. They are designed to pair with today’s motors and drives, reducing strain on the entire system.
Enhanced Safety Features
Upgraded systems support improved safety elements including door interlocks, overload protection, emergency stop functions, and automatic return features. These enhancements help ensure compliance with BS EN 81-3 and LOLER.
Improved User Interface
New control panels offer clearer displays, refined call stations, and more intuitive operation. In commercial settings, this makes the lift easier and faster for staff to use.
Integration with Modern Drives and Motors
A control upgrade allows the lift to benefit from smoother acceleration, quieter operation, and significant energy savings. It also improves the compatibility of future upgrades.
The Immediate Benefits of Upgrading
Boosted Performance and Reliability
A modern controller reduces breakdowns, improves travel quality, and responds more quickly to user commands.
Meaningful Energy Efficiency Gains
Advanced logic reduces power consumption and improves how the lift interacts with the motor. This is especially beneficial for high-use environments such as hotels or hospitals.
Reduced Maintenance and Downtime
With better diagnostic information and onboard fault codes, engineers can resolve issues more quickly — often during a single visit.
Extended Lifespan for the Entire Lift
A control system upgrade is one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of an older service lift, often adding ten or more years of reliable performance.
How Upgrades Improve Safety and Compliance
Even older lifts can meet modern standards with the right control upgrades. Controllers manage key safety functions, from door locking and limit switches to emergency stop circuits. Upgraded systems support full compliance with BS EN 81-3 and help ensure ongoing LOLER certification.
When a Control System Upgrade Is the Right Choice
You may benefit from a control upgrade if:
- the lift suffers from frequent or unexplained faults
- your building cannot accommodate a full lift replacement
- relay-based controllers are no longer supported
- you’ve already upgraded doors or motors that aren’t fully compatible with older control hardware
Control upgrades can also be the best solution for heritage or space-constrained properties where full replacement is not viable.
Conclusion: A High-Impact Upgrade with Long-Term Value
Upgrading the control system is one of the most powerful ways to modernise an older service lift. It improves efficiency, enhances safety, reduces running costs, and significantly extends the system’s lifespan.
If your lift is showing signs of ageing or struggling with reliability, our team can advise on whether a control system upgrade is the right step.
Contact us today to explore modernisation options for your service lift.
